Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo | Zim GBC News
BULAWAYO – Health authorities in Bulawayo have raised an alarm over a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), warning that the trend threatens to reverse years of progress in HIV prevention across Zimbabwe’s second-largest City.
Addressing journalists after the NAC Media tour on the city’s latest epidemiological data, a senior official from the National AIDS Council (NAC) revealed that new STI cases have climbed steadily through 2025, accompanied by a stubbornly high rate of repeat infections—a clear sign, experts say, of persistent high-risk sexual behaviour.
“What we are seeing is deeply concerning,” said the NAC’s Bulawayo Programmes Coordinator, Douglas Moyo.
“STIs are not just a health issue on their own—they are a direct gateway for HIV transmission. When someone has an STI, it breaks down mucosal barriers, making it significantly easier for HIV to enter the body.”
Nkala stressed that infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia act as clear markers of unprotected sex, similar to unplanned pregnancy.
“If someone walks into a clinic with an STI, it is evidence of condomless sex. Just like a pregnancy confirms unprotected intercourse, these infections confirm exposure.”
Data from the first three quarters of 2025 paints a troubling picture:
· First Quarter: 2,194 new STI cases recorded.
· Second Quarter: A decline to about 1,400 cases, though officials suspect possible data inconsistencies.
· Third Quarter: A sharp rebound to 2,539 new infections.
“If you plot these numbers, the trend is clearly upward,” Moyo explained.
“The brief dip in Q2 does not reflect sustained progress. We are moving in the wrong direction.”
Equally alarming is the rate of repeat STI cases, which remained high throughout the reporting period—with 766, 545, and 644 cases recorded in males across the first three quarters, respectively.
“Repeat infections tell us that behaviour change is not happening,” Moyo noted.
“People are getting treated secretly, returning to untreated partners, and getting re-infected. This cycle shows low risk perception and poor partner communication.”
All patients diagnosed with an STI are routinely tested for HIV. Positivity rates have held steady at around 4–5%, indicating that HIV remains a live threat within sexually active networks.
“Some ask if HIV is still a danger,” Nkala said.
“This data confirms it is. A 5% positivity rate among STI patients is a red flag that the virus is circulating actively in these networks.”
Health officials emphasise that breaking the cycle requires robust partner notification and contact tracing.
“It’s not enough to treat one person,” Nkala added.
“We must trace and treat entire sexual networks to prevent reinfection and curb HIV spread.”
With fourth-quarter data still under review, health authorities are calling for intensified public awareness, condom distribution, and STI screening campaigns.
“We cannot afford complacency,” Moyo warned.
“Every new STI case represents a potential HIV infection waiting to happen.”
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